Low level of water affects power generation

If the monsoon arrival to the state delays, get ready for more power cuts. The power generation from Koyna dam has been stopped as the water cannot be used for power generation considering the low level of dam water.

Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) faces tough days ahead as the monsoon which was expected to reach Kerala by June 1, was late and unless rain received is up to the expectations, it will be difficult to provide power to the entire state.

Koyna dam can hold 105.24 tmc of water but from the information given by the authorities, currently the dam only has water accumulating to 16.84 tmc. About 1960 megawatt of power is generated from Koyana dam and for every six hours of power generation, the dam loses 0.25 tmc of water it has in the reserves.

According to Met department, less rainfall is expected this year, with growing need of power supply along with famine situation in the state, Jalsampda and Urja Vibhaag has decided to reserve the water supply that is currently present in Koyana dam and hence no power generation has taken place from June 1.